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Tips, Techniques, and Questions -- Technical questions or tips

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  #1  
Old 2014-08-18, 11:38am
Marj Marj is offline
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Join Date: Mar 22, 2007
Location: Scituate MA
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Default Kiln recommendation

In May of this year my awesome Paragon kiln broke. Customer Service suggested I replace the thermocouple and digital controller. I asked if they could recommend a kiln repair service close by. Paragon could not. I bought the almost $400. suggested parts and shipping and paid an electrician several hundred dollars to install. Btw - the electrician told me the thermocouple did not have to be replaced. The kiln worked for 3 firings now does not. I have spoken to several of their tech support people over the past month and issues are still unresolved. I have called Paragon wishing to speak to an engineer on the advice of a Paragon distributor. Paragon is blocking this effort.
I am looking for a kiln of comparable quality. 120 volt 18 amp. 8x11 interior. I do lamp work. Recommendations please?
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  #2  
Old 2014-08-18, 12:17pm
2xMI 2xMI is offline
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You could try pm'ing Arnold Howard. He's a member here and owns Paragon. He's helped me/others in the past, and maybe contacting him might help get the problem resolved.

Otherwise, Glass Hive kilns have a good reputation, but I don't have one so can't speak from experience.

Good luck,

Mimi
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  #3  
Old 2014-08-18, 12:27pm
rnmcginnis rnmcginnis is offline
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I have a Glass Hive and have been very pleased with its performance and the company's service and responsiveness. After owning the kiln for about 2 years, I found that the actual temperature was about 50 to 75 degrees hotter than the thermocouple read. Glass Hive gave me several suggestions and, when they didn't work, they sent a new thermocouple, which solved the problem, at no charge. The only thing I have noticed is that the exterior of the kiln gets hotter than I would have expected (uncomfortable to touch more than a few seconds).
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  #4  
Old 2014-08-18, 12:56pm
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NLC Beads NLC Beads is offline
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Love my Glasshive, love the service. It made a noise and started dropping temp Saturday night (so sad) and after a phone call this morning, replacement parts are on the way, free and totally under warranty.

(It's sitting next to my Paragon, which also had to be fixed by ordering new parts and rocks.)
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  #5  
Old 2014-08-18, 1:25pm
JavaGirlBT JavaGirlBT is offline
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Hi Marj!

I also have a glass hive annealer and I love it.
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  #6  
Old 2014-08-18, 2:05pm
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Hayley Hayley is offline
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Another vote for a Glass Hive especially after your trouble with Paragon. There is something to say for having the guy who built your kiln just a phone call away. Kilns do need maintenance - relays, heating elements, and thermo couple do not last forever and do require replacing at some point. Pam and Mike are the best in customer service in the industry, extremely responsive, and will work you through everything over the phone if needed!
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  #7  
Old 2014-08-19, 5:21am
Arnold Howard Arnold Howard is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Marj View Post
In May of this year my awesome Paragon kiln broke. Customer Service suggested I replace the thermocouple and digital controller. I asked if they could recommend a kiln repair service close by. Paragon could not. I bought the almost $400. suggested parts and shipping and paid an electrician several hundred dollars to install. Btw - the electrician told me the thermocouple did not have to be replaced. The kiln worked for 3 firings now does not. I have spoken to several of their tech support people over the past month and issues are still unresolved. I have called Paragon wishing to speak to an engineer on the advice of a Paragon distributor. Paragon is blocking this effort.
Marj, I'm very sorry you are having problems with your Paragon kiln. What model is it? Please describe what the kiln is doing.

Bud and Dave, our engineers, are swamped right now. But I am happy to help you. If I don't know the answer to your kiln problem, I will ask Dave for advice. Kilns are very simple, but sometimes it takes a little detective work to diagnose a problem without being in front of the kiln.

Sincerely,

Arnold Howard
Paragon Industries, L.P., Mesquite, Texas USA
ahoward@paragonweb.com / www.paragonweb.com
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  #8  
Old 2014-08-19, 5:23am
Arnold Howard Arnold Howard is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by 2xMI View Post
You could try pm'ing Arnold Howard. He's a member here and owns Paragon. He's helped me/others in the past, and maybe contacting him might help get the problem resolved.

Otherwise, Glass Hive kilns have a good reputation, but I don't have one so can't speak from experience.

Good luck,

Mimi
Thanks, Mimi! I don't own Paragon. I've been here awhile, though.

Sincerely,

Arnold Howard
Paragon Industries, L.P., Mesquite, Texas USA
ahoward@paragonweb.com / www.paragonweb.com
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  #9  
Old 2014-08-19, 5:42am
2xMI 2xMI is offline
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Oops, sorry , Arnold! But promotions are good...

Mimi
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